A family of five were forced to evacuate their home last night when their evening meal went up in flames.

Firefighters from Barking were called to a flat in Ilchester Road, Dagenham, at 8.40pm and put out the fire, which was caused by unattended sizzling pork.

The building suffered smoke damage but the two adults and three children were unharmed after leaving the house upon hearing their smoke alarm.

Crews were also called to a similar incident in Tallow Close the previous night – this time the result of cooking plantain.

The two adult occupants left their homes safely after neighbours heard their alarm.

Barking station watch manager Stephen Chaplin said: “In both incidents the smoke alarms did their jobs which underlies the importance of having working alarms, and testing them regularly to make sure they work.

“If you are cooking, do not leave food unattended.”